Relocating from MN (Phoenix, Tempe: apartment, renting, condos)

[samkim]

I'm 23 yo, and will be moving to Arizona in a month or two to live with my girlfriend (who currently lives there). Just wondering what neighborhoods are suggested for:

2 23 year olds looking for a young community, not collegey, but younger professionals.
Reasonably close to ASU (girlfriend is an advisor there)
Close to parks/nature/bike trails
Not in a gated/canned/planned community preferably
Price Range $1000-$1400 for a 2 bedroom (prefer detached, but only slightly to an apartment/condo)
Renting
Walking distance to shops/stores/grocery/errand type places is very important
More of an urban feel than total suburbs

Let me know if any more information would be helpful

[observer53]

Your girlfriend lives and works here already-- I would think she has an idea what areas will work for the two of you????

The trickiest part will be walking distance to stores/shops/errand type places. I'd think Tempe would be your best bet, both for having a good feel for young, urban professional types (it is NOT just a college town, esp. if you get just a little ways from the university) and for its superior public transit.

[AZJoeD]

The area just north of downtown Phoenix might work for you. It is the most urban location we have and you can walk to the Light Rail. Your girlfriend can ride the Light Rail directly to the campus in about 15-20 mins.

Some nice condos in your price range.

[Jwilson27]

Observer53 pretty much said it all. Tempe would be your best bet.

[samkim]

We were both thinking Tempe as well, a few miles west/northwest of campus.

Thanks for the suggestions